Architectural structure



' Nov. 2, 1965 c. F. HUDDLE 3,215,153

ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURE Filed Aug. 29, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ji j, Ja i m HHHRHHHIII O O HH'.

INVENTOR.

I VJ/ [4]/ L/ A BY E. /wfd /77' @Flur/S Nov. 2, 1965 c. F. HUDDLE 3,215,153

ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURE Filed Aug. 29, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Pizzi-2.1G.

INVENTOR.

C47/ /ff Hail/ 2,

United States Patent O 3,215,153 ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURE Carl F. Huddle, 3 Kenberton Drive,

Pleasant Ridge, Mich. Filed Aug. 29, 1963, Ser. No. 305,483 Claims. (Cl. 13S-4) The present application is a continuation-in-part application of my prior copending United States patent application tiled June l0, 1963, Serial No. 286,563, for Tent Structure, now abandoned.

The present invention broadly relates to a novel architectural structure, and more particularly to a new architectural or building structure of a portable or semiperrnanent type which affords extreme simplicity and versatility in design and is of quick and simple erection and disassembly.

There has been a long-felt heretofore unfilled need for an architectural structure which affords to architects and designers flexibility' in construction and aesthetic expression and which concurrently embodies simplicity, economy, as well as maximum versatility in use.

The general high cost of building construction of a permanent as well as semi-permanent type in addition to the general inadequacy of portable type building structures of the types heretofore known, has constituted a significant obstacle in the progress and expansion of many industries and other activities reliant on one form or another of shelter or protection from the outside elements. In accordance with the architectural structure comprising the present invention, it is now economically feasible to provide low-cost building structures which may be of a portable, semi-permanent, as well as permanent nature for any one of a variety of activities including exhibits, expositions, theatrical presentations, camping, meetings, housing, repair and maintenance facilities, medical services, eating facilities, storage facilities, entertainment, military camouaging or the like.

The advantages of the architectural structure comprising the present invention are particularly pronounced when employed as a portable building structure due to the extreme simplicity in its construction and the ease and speed of its erection and disassembly. In comparison, many portable type building structures of the types heretofore used or proposed for use have not found widespread acceptance due to the complexity of their construction, the difficulty in their erection and disassembly, the lack of flexibility and versatility in their design preventing their adaptation to changes in use, as Well as their high cost in both construction, erection, and disassembly.

It is accordingly, a principal object of the present invention to fulfill a long-felt, heretofore unfilled need for an architectural structure which overcomes the problems and disadvantages associated with building structures of the types heretofore known.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new architectural structure which is of simple design, which provides maximum versatility and flexibility in configuration and size, which is of simple and economical construction and erection, and which can readily be disassembled into compact units which can be easily transported to the next erection site.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel architectural structure incorporating a plurality of structural components which can be moved individually or collectively after the structure has been erected to effect desired variations in the contour and configuration of the structure providing optimum flexibility in the freedom of personal expression of the architect or designer and for additionally modifying the shape of the structure to best adapt it to the specific activity to be performed achieving thereby optimum utilization of the sheltered space.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by an architectural structure comprising a plurality of pivotally mounted arches at least a portion of the peripheral lengths thereof are interconnected and are movable to and from a lowered position to a raised position angularly inclined relative to the ground responsive to the separating movement of the arches relative to each other. A suitable flexible roofing material of an impervious nature and/or of an open lattice work is secured to and extends between the arch members which on erection defines the roof contour of the structure. The resultant configuration or contour of the architectural structure can be varied consistent with the specific configuration of each of the arches employed, the number of arches used, their disposition relative to each other, and the angularity of their inclination relative to the ground as established by the degree of separating movement between adjacent arches comprising the structure.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective artistic view of a typical architectural structure incorporating the embodiments of the present invention and illustrating its use as a restaurant or the like;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view partly in section illustrating the structural features of an architectural structure of the general type shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a plan view of the architectural structure shown in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a side elevational view of the architectural structure shown in FIGURES 2 and 3 in the lowered or collapsed position;

FIGURE 5 is a plan view of the collapsed structure shown in FIGURE 4 with the covering roof material removed therefrom;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view partly in section of the means for effecting relative separating movement of the arch members of the structure shown in FIGURES 2-5;

FIGURE 7 is a plan View partly in section of the mechanism shown in FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentaryside elevational view of an alternative satisfactory mechanism for effecting relative separating movement of the arch members;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary perspective exploded view of a segmented arch comprising a plurality of assemblable and disassemblable arcuate sections facilitating transport and assembly and disassembly of an architectural structure of relatively large size;

FIGURE 10 is an architectural structure employing four arches positioned in longitudinally aligned relationship providing therewith an elongated structure;

FIGURE 11 is an architectural structure similar to that shown in FIGURE 10 employing an arch arrangement in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGURE 12 is a side elevation view of another alternate satisfactory architectural structure employing an independently pivotable auxiliary arch with the terminal arches thereof as shown in solid lines being in the lowered position, providing for greater shelter of a boat thereunder.

Referring now in detail to the drawings and as may be best seen in FIGURE 1, an architectural structure constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention is illustrated in the erected or assembled condition for use as a shelter or housing for an eating facility and the like. The principle comprising the present invention as embodied in the structure shown in FIGURE l is equally applicable to structures of a size ranging from relatively small, one-person shelters to comparatively large structures ranging in size from 30,000 to 40,000 square feet and larger, suitable for use such as for auditoriums, hospitals, repair depots, etc., employing two or more arch members with roofing materials of an impervious flexible or open lattice structure as well as roofing materials of a substantially permanent nature. The architectural structure as shown in FIGURE 1 comprises a pair of arcuate arch members 30 pivotally connected at their lower ends to a support frame 32 and extend outwardly therefrom at a suitable angularly inclined position defining the terminal edges of the structure. The peripheral portions of the arch members 30 are connected to a suitable roofing material 34 which extends therebetween and is maintained under controlled tension defining the roof line of the structure. Further rigidity of the structure is achieved, if desired, by employing suitable anchoring means such as columns or cables 36 which are connected to the arch members 30 at one end thereof and to the ground at the opposite ends thereof restraining further angular pivoting movement of the arch members and maintaining the roofing material 34 under the prescribed tension.

The architectural structure as shown in FIGURE 1 may suitably be employed to house an eating facility employing a counter indicated at 38 positioned beneath the extended roong material 34. Further protection from the outside elements and/ or enhancement of the aesthetic characteristics of the structure can be achieved by ernploying suitable side walls or side curtains 40 extending around all or a portion of the open ends of the structure and suspended from the arch members 30. The side walls or curtains 40 may alternatively be of a structural material and anchored at the lower ends thereof so as to serve as restraining means in lieu of employing the columns or cables 36. The simplicity in design and versatility of use of the structure as shown in FIGURE 1 are further enhanced by the simplicity in construction and ease of erection and disassembly of the structure as will be hereinafter described in connection with FIG- URES 2-8.

As shown in FIGURES 2-8, and particularly FIG- URES 2-5, an architectural structure generally indicated at 42, comprises a frame including a pair of generally U-shaped arches or arch members 44 and 46 comprising intermediate arcuate sections terminating at their ends in bifurcated end portions or legs 48 and 50, respectively. The end portions of the bifurcated legs 48, 50 are pivotally secured to a shaft or pin 52 on the end portions of which a pair of rollers 54 are rotatably mounted. A fluidactuated double acting cylinder assembly 56 is disposed between each of the bifurcated legs 48, 50 and is formed with a pair of depending ears 58 for slidably receiving the shaft 52. The pairs of rollers 54 are disposed in guided rolling engagement within a guide track or channel member 60 which is adapted to be disposed in supported relationship on the ground or other suitable underlying platform and may suitably be staked or otherwise removably attached thereto if desired, to prevent relative movement thereof. The guide track 60 includes a base 62 and a pair of inwardly extending flanges 64 affixed to the upper ends of the side walls thereof which overlie the rollers 54 restricting undesired Vertical movement thereof and of the cylinder assembly 56 and arch members attached thereto.

The fluid actuated cylinder assembly 56, as best seen in FIGURES 6 and 7, includes a piston 66 having a piston rod 68 affixed thereto, the outer end portion of which is pivotally secured to a T-shaped bracket 70` rigidly afxed to the base 62 of the guide track 60. The housing of the fluid-actuated cylinder 56 is formed with fluid ports 72 for admitting and draining a pressurized actuating fluid such as air or hydraulic fluid, for example, from the interior thereof.

It will be apparent from the arrangement of the actuating means as shown in FIGURES 6 and 7, that the concurrent admittance of a pressurized actuating fluid through the fluid ports 72 in the blank end of the cylinders 56 effects longitudinal movement of the cylinder, rollers, and arch members connected thereto away from the T-shaped bracket 70 effecting a separating movement of the arch members. The separating force exerted by the cylinder assemblies 56 effects a controlled upward angular movement of the arch members toward a raised position in a manner subsequently to be described.

The fluid-actuated cylinder assemblies 56 are shown in FIGURES 6 and 7 in the fully extended position corresponding to the position in which the architectural structure is in an erected condition. To avoid relative longitudinal movement of the cylinder assemblies 56 after they have attained the appropriate spaced position due to the seepage of actuating fluid around the piston 66, suitable locking means such as slide collars 74 can be employed for mechanically restricting undesirable inward movement of the cylinder assemblies. The slide collars 74, as shown in FIGURE 6, can be slidably positioned along the piston rods 68 and in abutting relationship against the rod end of the cylinders and thereafter mechanically locked thereto such as by means of a suitable set screw (not shown) maintaining appropriate spaced relationship of the arch members. Alternative suitable locking means can be employed if desired, for effecting a mechanical interlock between the guide track and the fluid actuated assembly or rollers to prevent undesirable relative movement after the arches have been moved to the desired position.

In lieu of employing fluid-actuated means for effecting separating movement of the arch members as hereinabove describe, the imposition of a separating force and the controlled angular movement of the arch members, can be achieved by mechanical means as illustrated in FIGURE. 8. As shown in FIGURE 8, a carriage 76 comprising a body including a pair of depending ears 78 through which a shaft 80 extends having a pair of rollers 82 rotatably mounted thereon is guidably supported for longitudinal movement in a guide track 84 of a construction similar to that shown in FIGURES 6 and 7. The bifurcated leg 48 of the arch member 44 is pivotally mounted on the shaft enabling relative swinging movement thereof. The upper portion of the carriage 76 is formed with a pair of upstanding ears S6 between the inner surfaces of which a knurled nut 88 is disposed and is positioned in threaded engagement on a threaded shaft 90 having one end thereof affixed to a T-shaped bracket 92. In accordance with this arrangement rotation of the knurled nut 88 in one direction or the other effects longitudinal movement thereof along the threaded shaft 90 and this movement in turn applies thrust to the inner surfaces of the upstanding ears 86 of the carriage effecting corresponding movement thereof along the guide track 84. Alternative satisfactory jack means can be employed for applying a relative separating force to the arch members from that shown in FIGURE 8.

The manner by which the force applied to the arch members in a direction to effect relative separating movement thereof resulting in an angular swinging movement of the arch members between a first position and a second position angularly spaced therefrom will now be described in connection with FIGURES 2 5. As best seen in FIGURES 2 and 3, the intermediate sections of the arch members 44, 46 are interconnected by one or more connecting means or cables 94 which extend therebetween and are affixed thereto. In the specific arrangement shown, the cables 94 are arranged in a pair of overlying V-shaped patterns although alternative arrangements including a single cable can be satisfactorily employed. The length of the cables 94 is controlled to allow the arch members 44, 46 to be located in a generally planar lowered position as shown in FIGURE 4 corresponding to the condition of wherein the bifurcated legs 48, 50 are in the retracted position adjacent to the T- shaped bracket 70.

In addition to the connecting means or cables 94, the arch members of the architectural structure 42 shown in FIGURES 2-5 are interconnected by a lattice work or net material 96 extending therebetween which is intended to support an overlying fabric or other flexible covering material 93 disposed thereabove and connected along its edges to the arch members 44, 46. Any one of a number of variety of suitable roofing materials can be ernployed for delining the roof contour of the structure and may alternatively be of an impervious or open lattice type structure consistent with the intended end use of the structure and the aesthetic appearance desired. Woven fabrics, plastic films, plastic coated fabrics, reinforced plastic lms, etc., can be employed for the purpose and may be opaque, translucent, or transparent or combinations thereof, and/or of decorative colors to provide the desired aesthetic appearance. The covering materials may also comprise suitable preformed panels which are adapted to be connected to the arch members either before or after erection to effect a closure of all or a portion of the structure. Conventionally, the covering material is affixed to the arch members when the architectural structure is in the lowered position and is tensioned into the appropriate contour during movement of the arch members to the raised angularly inclined position.

The covering material itself may comprise the connecting means between the intermediate sections of the arch members if of sufficient strength or may be supplemented if desired such as by means of the net material 96 and the cables 94. The covering material 98 as well as the net material 96 and cables 94 may possess resilient characteristics allowing a limited degree of stretching thereof under tension so as to better conform With the contour of the structure providing a smooth roof line. The architectural structure as shown in FIGURE 2, may also be provided with a side wall or curtain 100 connected to and hanging downwardly from the arch members 44, 46 for enclosing the ends thereof when the structure is in the erected or raised position. Further stability to the structure and restriction to the upward angular movement of the arch members can be achieved if desired by incorporating a cable or restraining member 102 aixed to the bight portion of the arch members at one end thereof and affixed to the ground or platform on which the structure is mounted on the opposite end thereof.

The erection of the architectural structure shown in FIGURES 2-5 will now be described commencing with the structure in the fully lowered or collapsed position as shown in FIGURES 4 and 5. In the collapsed position as illustrated, the connecting means or cables 94 are in a relatively relaxed position as are the restraining cables 102 and the net material 96. For comparatively small structures such as personal shelters or tents, the cables 94 and 102 as well as `the net material 96 and covering material 98 can remain connected to the arch members 44, 46. If desired, the interconnecting means between the arch members can be detached therefrom to facilitate transport of the structure and quickly attached thereto by means of zippers, quick connectors of the types well known in the art, and the like, while the structure is in the collapsed position. The restraining members 102 may also be staked or otherwise attached to the ground while the structure is in the collapsed position or can be atiixed after the structure has been raised.

Erection of the architectural structure 42 employing means of the type shown in FIGURES 6 and 7 or a combination thereof is simply achieved by introducing a pressurized fluid from a suitable source into the uid ports 72 at the blank end of the cylinders 56 applying a separating force to the arch members tending to cause them to move apart. This separating force and movement of the arch members is restrained by the means interconnecting the arch members including the cables 94, the net material 96 and the rooting material 98 which apply a counterforce or torque effecting angular swinging movement of the arch members from a lowered position to- Ward a raised position during the initial separating movement of the arch members. When positioned in a substantially coplanar position, it is desirable to slightly tilt one of the arch members in order that the tensioning of the covering means extending between the bight portions of the arches acts through a line spaced from the axes of pivoting movement of the arch members. Alternatively, the arch members may be formed with a bight portion as illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 4 which is slightly upturned along the ends thereof such that the force resulting from the tensioning of the cables 94 is laterally spaced from the axes of pivoting movement of the arch members. In either event, once angular tilting movement of the arch is achieved, this movement continues until the arches attain a preselected angularity as controlled by the separating movement of the bifurcated legs thereof.

It will be appreciated that the angularity of the arch members 44, 46 need not be substantially identical to achieve symmetry of the structure. One of the arch members, for example, may be elevated to a greater angle whereas the opposite arch member may be elevated to a lesser angle to obtain the desired aesthetic contour of the structure and the requisite headroom as may be required, depending on the use to which the structure is to be subjected. Variations in the angular disposition of the arch members is also desirable and consititutes a further advantage of the structure comprising the present invention enabling the configuration of the structure to be varied consistent with prevailing weather and wind conditions so as to provide optimum shelter and stability of the unit. Such variations in the angularity of the opposing arches can simply be achieved by controlling the lengths of the restraining cables 102 if employed, or alternatively, by varying the relative outward movement of the cylinders 56 relative to the T-shaped bracket 70. It will also be appreciated that angular swinging movement of the arch members can be achieved by applying a Separating force to only one of the arch members whereupon the tensioning of the connecting means or roof covering means effects a corresponding controlled swinging movement of the pivotally mounted opposite arch member.

The architectural structure is simply disassembled by reversing the steps of erection as hereinbefore set forth whereupon the structure again assumes the collapsed position as shown in FIGURE 4. In this position the connecting cables and covering material can be removed if desired, facilitating transport of the structure to the next erection site.

The versatility of the structure as hereinabove described provided by the variations in the angularity of the opposing arch members can be further supplemented by ernploying arch member configurations of any one ot a variety of different shapes to provide the desired aesthetic effect such as, for example, elliptical arch members, triangular-shaped arch members as well as combinations thereof providing extreme versatility of the structure and free expression of aesthetic appearance by the designer.

The arch members of the architectural structures comprising the present invention may be of any suitable construction and material so as to provide the requisite strength for holding the covering material under suflicient tension to maintain the appropriate contour of the building structure. Preferably relatively light weight materials are employed which in structures of relatively large size may be of a segmented construction as illustrated in FIG- URE 9, comprising a plurality of intertting sections indicated at 162. The tubular inter-fitting sections 162 are provided with swaged ends 164 which are adapted to interlittingly engage the large end of the adjacent section which on assembly forms an arch member of the desired length and configuration. In order to prevent relative rotation between the tubular interfitting sections 162, a suitable pin 166 adapted to be disposed in aligned apertures 168 can be employed. Alternatively, the intertting end sections may be of a complementary shaped irregular configuration so as to resist relative rotation and maintain appropriate alignment between the assembled sections. The use of a segmented arch member is particularly desirable in structures of relatively large size which are frequently disassembled and transported to a new erection site. It will also be appreciated that the arch members of the structures comprising the present invention preferably are designed so as to embody some fiexibility therein enabling a deflection or warping thereof so as to provide a more uniform tensioning of the covering material connected thereto.

Multiple arch structures for use particularly in connection with relatively large size enclosures may also be achieved by employing a plurality of longitudinally aligned arch members in accordance with t-he arrangements as shown in FIGURES l and ll. The structures as illustrated in these figures comprise combinations of the two arch structures hereinabove described arranged so as to provide an elongated sheltered area. An architectural structure indicated at 180 is illustrated in FIGURE 10 and comprises a pair of oppositely extending `central arch members 182 pivotally mounted on a common supporting frame 184 and a pair of terminal arch members 186 pivotally mounted on longitudinally spaced supporting frames 188. The erection of the architectural structure 180 can simply be accomplished by placing the central arch members and terminal arch members relatively flat along the ground or supporting platform and in appropriate longitudinally spaced relationship whereby the roofing material can be conveniently afiixed thereto. The structure is thereafter raised in a manner as hereinbefore described by applying relative separating movement between the central arch members 182 and outward separating member of the terminal arch members 186 as applied at the supporting frames 184 and 188, respectively.

A similar type architectural structure is indicated at 190 in FIGURE l1 comprising two structures of the type shown in FIGURE 1 disposed in longitudinally spaced alignment and interconnected to a common roofing material. `One end unit comprises arch members 192 pivotally connected to a supporting frame 194 whereas the opposite end unit comprises arch members 196 pivotally connected to supporting frame 198.

Further flexibility and versatility of architectural structures in accordance with the present invention providing for increased headroom as may -be required in accordance with the activity to be performed or the nature and size of the objects to be sheltered thereunder can be achieved by employing one or a plurality of auxiliary arch members which are disconnected from the covering or roofing material and can be raised or lowered independently of the terminal lifting arch members. A structure of this type is exemplified in FIGURE ll2 wherein an architectural structure indicated at 234 is employed as a shelter over a cruiser and may be conveniently supported on the pilings or catwalk defining the boat well or berth. The architectural structure 234 as shown comprises a pair of spaced supporting frames 236 in which the ends of a pair of terminal arch members 238 are pivotally supported and are movable therealong to and from an expanded position as shown in phantom to a partly retracted position as shown in solid lines providing selected closure of the ends of the structure as may be desired, dependent upon prevailing weather conditions.

A central auxiliary arch member 240 is pivotally mounted at its ends to the supporting frame 236 and is formedwith rollers indicated at 242 or other suitable antifriction devices to facilitate movement of the arch member from a lowered position to a raised position as shown in solid lines. The use of such an auxiliary arch member in combination with the terminal arch members 238 enables a further increase in the Iheadroom of the structure as may be required to clear the various obstructions such as the lbridge of the cruiser illustrated in silhouette. The auxiliary arch member 240 can be suitably retained in the elevated or raised position by means of cables or other suitable tension means 244 connected thereto and suitably afiixed to either the surrounding structure or by means of a weighted object such as an anchor.

The architectural structure 234 as shown in FIGURE l2 is readily erected in a manner as hereinbefore described, with the arch members 238 and auxiliary arch member 248 in a flat or lowered position and in which position a suitable roofing material can be conveniently affixed to the terminal arch members. The terminal arch members are thereafter elevated by applying a force effecting separating movement of the arch members along the supporting frames 236 and the auxiliary arch member 248 may thereafter `be conveniently raised if required, to provide the requisite central headroom.

While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiments herein illustrated are well calculated to fulfill the objects above stated, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the su'bjoined claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An architectural Vstructure comprising a frame including a plurality of arch members each including a bight section rigidly connected to a pair of legs mounted for pivoting movement at a point adjacent to the end portions of said legs to and from a first position and a second position angularly spaced from said first position, substantially inextensible tension means extending between and connected to said arch members at locations spaced outwardly 'of the axes of pivoting movement of said arch members, and means .for applying a force to said arch members in a direction to effect relative separating movement of said end portions of said legs of one arch member relative to the said end portions of said legs of the other arch members and a tensioning yof said tension means in response to the opposition of said tension means to said separating movement effecting relative angular pivoting movement of said arch members between said first and said second position.

2. An architectural structure comprising a frame including `a plurality of arch members each including a bight section rigidly connected to a pair of legs mounted for pivotal movement at a point adjacent to the end portions of said legs to and from a first position and a second position angularly spaced from said first position, substantially inextensible tension means extending between and connected to said arch members at locations spaced outwardly of the axes of pivoting movement of said arch members, means for applying a force to said arch members in a direction to effect relative separating movement of said end portions Iof said legs of one arch member relative to the said end portions of said legs of the other arch members 'and a tensioning of said tension means in response to the opposition of said tension means to said separating movement effecting relative angular pivoting movement of said arch members between said rst and said second position, and restraining means connected to said arch members for limiting the angular movement thereof beyond said second position.

3. An architectural structure compri-sing a frame, guide means on said frame, a plurality of arch members on said frame each comprising a pair of spaced legs rigidly connected to an intermediate bight section, ea-ch said leg piv-otally mounted on said frame at a point `adjacent to the end portions of sa-id legs for angular pivoting movement of said arch members to and from a first position and a second position angularly .spa-ced from said rst position, substantially inextensible tension means extending between and connected to said bight sections of said arch members at locations spaced outwardly of the axes of pivoting movement of said arch members, said end portions of said legs of at least one of said arch members guidably mounted in said guide means for movement therealong, and means for applying a force to said arch members in a direction to effect relative separating movement of said end portions of said legs of one arch member relative to the said end portions of said legs of the other arch members along said guide means and a tensioning of said tension means in response to the opposition of said tension means to said separating movement effecting relative angular pivoting movement of said arch members between said first and said second position.

4. An .architectural structure comprising a frame, guide means on said frame, a plurality of arch members on said frame each comprising a pair of spaced legs rigidly connected to an intermediate bight section, each said leg pivotally mounted on said frame at a point adjacent to the end portions of said legs for independent `angular pivo-ting movement of said arch -members to and from .a rst position and a second position angularly spaced from said first position, substantially inextensible tension means eX- tending between and connected to said intermediate bight sections of said arch members at locations spaced outwardly of the axes of pivoting movement of said arch members, said end portions of said legs of yat least one of said arch -members guidab-ly mounted in said guide means for movement therealong, yand means for applying a force to said arch members in a direction to effect relative separating movement of said end portions of said legs of one arch member relative to the said end portions of said legs of the other arch members along said guide means and a tensioning of said tension means in response to the opposition of said tension means to said separating movement effecting relative angular pivoting movement of said arch members between said first and said second position, and means connected to said arch members restraining ang-ular pivoting movement thereof beyond said second position.

5. An architectural structure comprising a frame, a pair of transversely spaced guide means on said frame, a pair of arch members each comprising a pair of transversely spaced legs rigidly connected to an intermediate bight section adapted to be positioned in opposed relationship and with respective ones of said legs of at least one arch member guidably mounted in said guide means for relative reciprocating movement therein, means for pivotally mounting each said leg at a point adjacent to the end portions thereof in said guide means providing for angular swinging movement of said arch members to and from a rst position and a second position angularly spaced thereform, substantially inextensible tension means extending between and connected to said intermediate bight sections of said arch members, and actuating means associated with said legs for applying a force in a direction to effect relative separating movement between said end portions of said legs of one arch member relative to the said end portions of said legs of the other said arch member in each said guide means and a corresponding tensioning of said tension means resulting in the application of a torque to said arch members effecting pivoting movement thereof from said first position to said second position.

6. An architectural structure comprising a frame, a plurality of arch members on said frame each compris- -ing a pair of transversely spaced leg portions rigidly connected to a bight section, said arch members disposed with the bight sections thereof extending outwardly in opposite directions and with each said leg thereof positioned proximate to a leg of an arch member disposed to each side thereof, each said leg of said anch members pivotally mounted at a point adjacent to the end portions thereof for providing pivoting movement of said arch members to and from a first position and a second position .angularly spaced from said rst position, substantially inextensible tension means extending between and connected to said bight section of said arch members, and means for applying a force to said arch members in a direction to effect relative separating movement between said end porti-ons .of said legs of one arch member relative to the said end portions of said legs of the other said arch member and a tensioning of said tension means in response to the opposition of said tension means to said separating movement effecting relative angular pivoting movement of said arch members between said lirst and said second position.

7. An architectural stnucture comprising a frame, a plurality of .arch mem'bers each lcomprising a pair lof transversely spaced legs rigid-ly connected to a bight section and arranged in longitudinally spaced aligned relationship, each said leg pivotally mounted adjacent to the end portions thereof on said frame for providing angular swinging movement of said arch members to and from a first position and a second position angularly spaced from said first position, substantially inextensible tension means extending between and connected to said arch members at locations spaced outwardly of the axes of pivoting movement of said arch members, and means for applying la force to at least a pair of the plurality of said `arch members disposed in oppositely extending relationship and in a direction to effect relative separating movement between said end portions of said legs of one arch member relative to the sa'id end portions of said legs of the other said larch members and a tensioning of said tension means in response to the opposition of said tension means to said separating movement effecting independent relative angular pivoting movement of s-aid arch members between said first and said sec-ond position.

y8. A tent structure comprising, in combination, support means, a plurality of arch members each including a bight section rigidly connected to a p-air of legs, means mounting said .arch members on said support means at a point Iadjacent to the end portions of said legs for bodily movement apart and toward each other and swinging movement between raised and lowered positions with respect to said support means upon bodily movement thereof, said `ar-ch members extending oppositely to each other in said raised and lowered positions, means bodily moving said arch members apart and toward each other, and substantially inextensible tension means connecting said arch members and having a predetermined length permitting said arch members to 'be located in said lowered position, said tension means operative in response to a tensioning thereof for swinging said arch members relative to said support means from said lowered position to said raised position upon bodily movement of said end portions of said legs of one arch member apart relative to said end portions of said legs of the other arch members.

9. A tent structure comprising, in combinati-on, support means, a plurality of arch members each including a bight section rigidly connected to a pair of legs, means for mounting the end portions of said arch members on said supports means for sliding movement apart and toward each other and swinging movement between raised and lowered positions, said arch members extending oppositely to each other in said raised and lowered posit-ions, -means for moving said arch members apart, and substantially inextensible tension means connecting said arch mem'bers and having a predetermined length sufficient for permitting said arch members to be located in said lowered position, said tension means operative in response to a tensioning thereof for swinging said members relative to said support means from said lowered position to said raised position upon movement of said end portions of said legs of one arch member apart relative to said end portions of said legs of the other arch members.

10. An architectunal structure comprising a frame including a plurality of arch members each including a bight section rigidly connected to a pair of legs mounted for pivotable movement at a point adjacent to the end port-ions of said legs to and 4from a first position and a second position angularly spaced from said rst position, substantially inextensible tension means extending between and connected to said arch members at locations spaced outwardly of the axes of pivoting movement of said arch members, means for applying a force to said arch members in a direction :to eiect relative `separating movement of said end portions of said legs of one arch member relative to the said end portions of said legs of the other arch members and a tensioning of `said tension means in response to the opposition of said tension means to said separating movement effecting relative angular pivoting movement of said arch members between said rst and said second position, at least one auxiliary arch pivotally mounted on said frame for angular swinging movement between the plurality of said arch members and adjuvstably positionable for supporting said tension means intermediate said arch members, and restraining means connected to -said arch members for limiting the angular movement thereof beyond said second position.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 640,942 9/00y Peacock. 1,749,197 3/ 30 `Stuart 160-68 2,449,850 9/48 Huhle 254-126 2,501,001 3/50 Neely 182-141 2,683,265 7/54 Wayne 135-1 2,798,641 7/57 Coddington 182-141 3,074,474 1/ 63 Dunn 160-23 3,085,586 4/63 McDonough 135-4 3,110,476 11/63 Farris 182-141 HARRISON R. MOSELEY, Primary Examiner. 

1. AN ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURE COMPRISING A FRAME INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF ARCH MEMBERS EACH INCLUDING A BIGHT SECTION RIGIDLY CONNECTED TO A PAIR OF LEGS MOUNTED FOR PIVOTING MOVEMENT AT A POINT ADJACENT TO THE END PORTIONS OF SAID LEGS TO AND FROM A FIRST POSITION AND A SECOND POSITION ANGULARLY SPACED FROM SAID FIRST PORTION, SUBSTANTIALLY INEXTENSIBLE TENSION MEANS EXTENDING BETWEEN AND CONNECTED TO SAID ARCH MEMBERS AT LOCATIONS SPACED OUTWARDLY OF THE AXES OF PIVOTING MOVEMENT OF SAID ARCH MEMBERS, AND MEANS FOR APPLYING A FORCE TO SAID ARCH 